If you’ve ever dreamed of that classic Greek island moment—the whitewashed streets, blue shutters catching the sun, windmills perched above the sea—Mykonos delivers it effortlessly. Tucked into the Cyclades, this small but iconic island feels straight out of a postcard, and somehow even better in real life.

Athens is one of those cities that instantly pulls you in. From the moment you start walking its streets, you feel the contrast—in the best way. Ancient ruins sit side by side with modern cafés and shops, and it somehow all works. One minute you’re admiring centuries-old temple columns, and the next you’re browsing a sleek shopping center or sipping coffee on a lively corner.

Malaga is one of those places that effortlessly blends culture, coastline, and laid-back Mediterranean living. Set along the sun-soaked Costa del Sol, the city pairs historic architecture and grand boulevards with golden beaches and a sparkling blue sea—making it just as ideal for sightseeing as it is for slowing down. A few days in Malaga can be spent wandering the lively historic center, shopping along wide promenades, swimming at nearby beaches, and venturing out on unforgettable day trips across southern Spain.

I was instantly curious about Santillana del Mar the moment I learned it’s nicknamed the “Town of Three Lies.” Its name suggests saint (santo), flat (llana), and sea (mar)—yet the town is neither coastal, flat, nor named after a saint. And still, despite the irony, Santillana del Mar is often called one of the most beautiful towns in all of Spain.

If you’re craving a travel experience in Spain that feels truly authentic and refreshingly untouched, Potes is a place you shouldn’t overlook. This charming mountain town, tucked away in the heart of Cantabria, offers a beautiful glimpse into traditional Spanish life—slow, welcoming, and deeply connected to nature.

Covadonga is one of those places that completely took me by surprise—in the best possible way. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve visited in Spain, and honestly, that’s what makes it so special. Tucked into the dramatic landscape of the Picos de Europa, Covadonga feels both peaceful and powerful at the same time, blending deep spiritual history with breathtaking natural beauty.

There are places that feel almost unreal the moment you see them—and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is absolutely one of them. Perched dramatically on a rocky islet off Spain’s northern coast, this breathtaking spot feels wild, powerful, and deeply cinematic. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to explore San Juan de Gaztelugatxe with ease.

There’s something quietly powerful about Santiago de Compostela. A place where history, spirituality, and everyday life intertwine in a way that feels both ancient and alive. For centuries, travelers have made their way here as pilgrims, seekers, and explorers—and the moment you arrive, it’s easy to understand why.

Bilbao is a captivating city tucked into the lush, green hills of Spain’s Basque region—a place where tradition and modernity coexist effortlessly. Set along the shimmering Nervión River, the city blends urban energy with the calm beauty of its surrounding countryside. Once known primarily for its industrial roots, Bilbao has transformed into a dynamic cultural hub filled with striking contemporary architecture, Michelin-starred dining, and world-class museums.

San Sebastián has a way of pulling you in almost instantly. There’s an energy to the city that feels both lively and nostalgic, wrapped in stunning scenery and an unbeatable food culture. Once a summer escape for Spanish royalty, this seaside gem—known as San Sebastián (or Donostia in the Basque language)—has long mastered the art of charm.

Valencia is one of those cities that surprises you—in the best way. It’s bright, coastal, creative, and full of contrasts, where historic streets meet futuristic architecture and long lunches stretch into golden evenings by the sea. From my time exploring the city, it quickly became clear that Valencia has a rhythm all its own, and it’s incredibly easy to fall into.

Córdoba is one of those places that quietly takes your breath away. It’s layered, soulful, and full of moments that make you slow down and really look around. From wandering through ancient streets to standing beneath some of the most stunning architecture in Spain, this city feels deeply rooted in history while still very much alive. I couldn’t visit Córdoba and not share it. The atmosphere, the details, the way cultures intertwine here—it all stays with you.

Welcome to Barcelona, a city that somehow manages to feel electric and effortless at the same time. Barcelona is layered—bold architecture beside quiet cafés, beach days that turn into late dinners, history woven into everyday life. It’s the kind of place where every walk feels like an experience, whether you’re admiring Gaudí’s imagination, lingering over tapas, or watching the sunset by the sea. This travel guide is here to help you navigate Barcelona in a way that feels intentional, not rushed.

If you’re craving a place that feels rich with history, color, and soul, let me introduce you to Granada. This travel guide is your invitation to one of Spain’s most captivating cities—one that completely swept me off my feet the moment I arrived. Granada is layered and magnetic. From the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alhambra, perched above the city like something out of a dream, to the energy and tradition of Sacromonte, everything here feels alive with story.

There’s something about Seville that pulls you in slowly—and then completely. It’s a city full of rhythm and soul, where flamenco echoes through quiet streets, orange trees line historic plazas, and every corner feels layered with history and emotion. Seville isn’t just beautiful; it’s alive. This travel guide to Seville is meant to help you experience the city beyond the surface.

Madrid is a city that feels alive the moment you arrive. It’s energetic, expressive, and full of contrast—where historic landmarks sit comfortably beside bold architecture, and long museum days effortlessly turn into late dinners and lively streets. There’s so much to see and do here that having a plan truly helps, and that’s exactly what this travel guide is for.

Pisa doesn’t try to compete with Italy’s bigger, louder cities—and that’s exactly what I appreciate about it. It may not have an endless list of headline attractions, but that’s not a drawback. If anything, it’s an invitation to slow down. Pisa offers a gentler pace, fewer crowds, and a chance to experience a Tuscan city that still feels grounded in its history and everyday life.

Rome has a way of pulling you in and never fully letting go. No matter how many times you visit, it always feels layered—ancient and alive, chaotic and beautiful, familiar and surprising all at once. As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Rome isn’t just a place you see—it’s a place you feel. History lives in the streets, the ruins, the piazzas, and even in the pauses between espresso sips.

Florence isn’t loud about its beauty. It doesn’t need to be. The city reveals itself slowly — through worn stone steps, echoing church bells, espresso sipped standing at a bar, and evenings that stretch longer than planned. It’s the kind of place that rewards presence. You don’t conquer Florence; you live alongside it, even if only for a few days.

I’m sure you’ve heard of Venice, Rome, and Florence — but tucked quietly into Tuscany is another Italian city that deserves just as much attention: Lucca. It’s just as beautiful as its famous neighbors, yet noticeably calmer, less crowded, and often more affordable. Only about an hour from Pisa Airport by train or car, Lucca feels like a place where time slows down a bit.